Host city selection process begins for T20 World Cup 2028

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has started their process for selecting host cities and venues for the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup set to take place in Australia and New Zealand by issuing invitations to participate. 

The 2028 edition will feature 10 venues spread across the two countries which will be announced by the end of 2026. As host nations, both Australia and New Zealand have directly qualified for the tournament along with England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe after making it through to the Super Eight stages at the 2026 T20 World Cup held earlier this year.
 
Along with the nine aforementioned teams, Bangladesh, Ireland and Afghanistan have also booked their spot in the tournament as the remaining three best ranked T20I sides in the world. The final eight spots will be decided through regional qualification pathway competitions. 

The 2028 ICC T20 World Cup is set to take place between October and November and will once again comprise 20 teams. A total of 55 matches will be played, including 40 Group Stage matches, 12 Super Eight matches, two Semi Finals and a Final.

Australia is set to host their second T20 World Cup after the 2022 edition which was won by England, beating Pakistan in the final in Melbourne. It is safe to assume that renowned cricketing venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and WACA will be shortlisted come 2028. 

New Zealand, on the other hand, last hosted a major men’s ICC event back in 2015 when they co-hosted the Cricket World.

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2028 will be the biggest cricket event ever staged in the southern hemisphere. Australia and New Zealand will host the best players and teams in the world, including arguably the hottest property in sport, reigning champions India,” 2028 ICC T20 World Cup CEO, Joel Morrison said. 
  
“Cricket World Cups are mega events and they deliver significant social, economic and promotional benefits to host cities. Key to maximising these outcomes and executing a world class event is cricket’s commitment to a partnership approach with governments, venues, commercial and broadcast partners and local communities. We look forward to working with prospective partners through this process as we seek to unite and inspire fans globally through a spectacular festival of cricket that extends its benefits far beyond the cricket field,” he added.

India are currently the two-time defending champions of the tournament. The Men in Blue lifted the 2026 title on home soil, beating the 2028 co-hosts New Zealand in the final by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.